Icons of the Danube: Christmas Markets

AmaWaterways

Icons of the Danube: Christmas Markets

Length
7 nights
Region
Danube
Countries
Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany

This AmaMagna sailing runs along the Danube from Budapest to Vilshofen, stopping in Bratislava, Vienna, the Wachau Valley, Linz and Passau. Most days offer a choice of guided tours, with Christmas market visits in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Passau.

Budapest · Bratislava · Vienna · Dürnstein · Linz · Passau · Vilshofen

Highlights

  • Schönbrunn Palace and Rathaus Christmas markets in Vienna
  • Melk Abbey and a wine tasting in the Wachau Valley
  • Full-day choice of Salzburg or Český Krumlov

Day by day

Shown from Budapest to Vilshofen. Direction and ports can vary by sailing.

  1. Day 1

    Budapest: boarding

    Budapest, Hungary

    Board AmaMagna in Budapest. A welcome dinner is held in the evening.

  2. Day 2

    Budapest: Christmas market and Danube Bend

    Budapest, Hungary

    A city tour covers Buda, Pest, the Great Market Hall and a Christmas market, or you can hike Castle Hill. The ship later cruises the Danube Bend.

    Tours: Buda city tour and Christmas Markets

  3. Day 3

    Bratislava: Old Town and Christmas market

    Bratislava, Slovakia

    Old Town walking tour with a Christmas market visit. Other choices are a local food tour or a hike up to Bratislava Castle.

    Tours: “Coronation City of Kings” Walking Tour, Taste of Slovakia, Bratislava Castle Fitness Hike

  4. Day 4

    Vienna: Christmas markets and Schönbrunn

    Vienna, Austria

    Tour the former Imperial Palace and the Opera House with the Maria Theresa Platz market, or bike along the Danube. The Schönbrunn Palace market follows in the afternoon, and the Rathaus market at night.

    Tours: “Imperial Vienna” tour and Christmas Markets, Vienna City Tour by Bike, Schönbrunn Christmas Markets, Rathaus Christmas Markets by Night

  5. Day 5

    Wachau Valley: Dürnstein and Melk

    Dürnstein, Austria

    From Krems, see Dürnstein on foot or by bike, or try its apricot specialties. Afternoon choices are Melk Abbey, a bike ride to Spitz or a hike, followed by an evening wine tasting.

    Tours: Dürnstein Walking Tour, Melk Abbey Visit, Exclusive Wine Experience, Dürnstein Apricots and Sweets Tour, Dürnstein Bike Tour, Spitz Bike Ride, Spitz Hike

  6. Day 6

    Linz: Salzburg or Český Krumlov

    Linz, Austria

    Spend the full day in Salzburg, with its Old Town, cathedral and Christmas markets, or in Český Krumlov with its castle. Back in Linz, take a short Old Town walking tour or a bike ride.

    Tours: Full Day Salzburg Excursion and Christmas Market, Full Day Český Krumlov Excursion, UNESCO city walking tour and Christmas Market, “Cultural Mile” Bike Tour

  7. Day 7

    Passau: Christmas markets

    Passau, Germany

    Walking tour of Passau with its Christmas markets, or one of two hikes.

    Tours: “City of Three Rivers” Walking Tour with Christmas Markets, Passau Castle Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf, Passau Fitness Hike

  8. Day 8

    Vilshofen: disembark

    Vilshofen, Germany

    Leave the ship in Vilshofen.

Dates

Availability changes. Ask us to confirm.

2026

  • November 29Budapest to Vilshofen · AmaMagna
  • December 6Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaMagna
  • December 13Budapest to Vilshofen · AmaMagna

2027

  • November 28Budapest to Vilshofen · AmaMagna
  • November 28Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaRudi
  • December 5Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaMagna
  • December 12Budapest to Vilshofen · AmaMagna
  • December 12Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaRudi

2028

  • November 26Budapest to Vilshofen · AmaRudi
  • November 26Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaMagna
  • December 10Budapest to Vilshofen · AmaRudi
  • December 10Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaMagna
  • December 17Budapest to Vilshofen · AmaMagna
  • December 17Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaRudi

What's included

Stay

  • Choice of suites, staterooms and connecting rooms
  • Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
  • Bathrobe, slippers and bathroom amenities
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Onboard WiFi

Dining

  • All onboard meals
  • The Chef's Table specialty restaurant
  • Wine, beer and soft drinks with meals
  • Specialty coffee and tea
  • Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour

Excursions

  • Up to six expert-led experiences each day
  • Gentle, regular and active options for most activities
  • Onshore experiences

Also included

  • Cruise Manager for the whole route
  • Regional music and performances
  • Experiences for solo travelers
  • Wellness Host and daily classes on most sailings
  • Port charges

Virtuoso benefits

Dedicated Onboard Host

A personal Virtuoso host sails with your group, present throughout the voyage to answer questions and ensure every detail runs exactly as planned.

Private Welcome Reception

An exclusive cocktail reception at the start of each sailing, arranged solely for Virtuoso Voyages guests with introductions facilitated by your host.

Shipboard Credit

$100 per stateroom on voyages under 14 nights; $200 per stateroom on voyages of 14 nights or more, to spend freely on dining, spa, or excursions.

Exclusive Shore Experience

A private shore excursion, VIP tour, or private car and driver whose itinerary is shaped entirely around your interests and pace — never a group schedule.

Specialty Dining

Complimentary reservations at specialty restaurants on select sailings, including chef's tastings and curated wine pairings on participating vessels.

Spa & Wellness Access

Select spa treatments, wellness credits, and onboard amenities included on participating voyages across our preferred cruise partners.

Ships

AmaMagna

AmaMagna

Revolutionary wide-beam river ship.

AmaRudi

AmaRudi

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